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The Paladin is one of the most self-sufficient classes inBaldur’s Gate 3, combining support, weapon damage, and magic in one heavily-armored package. When it comes to multiclassing a Paladin, the best strategy is to build around its Divine Smite feature, mixing in a full caster to increase the amount of spell slots available. While any full spellcaster class can fulfill this role inBaldur’s Gate 3, the best choice is a class that shares the Paladin’s need for high Charisma, such as the Sorcerer, Bard, or Warlock.
Of the threeCharisma-based casters, theSorcerer is the strongest pickoverall for this build, forming a synergistic combo with the Paladin that is commonly known as a Sorcadin. The core idea behind the Sorcadin has three parts:
TheTwinned Spell Metamagicwill allow the Sorcadin to apply powerful buffs or debuffs to multiple targets at once, relying on their excellent Constitution Saving Throws to maintain Concentration. Similarly, Quickened Spell will give the Sorcadin the ability to debuff a target with a spell likeHold Personas a Bonus Action, then use their Action to land a guaranteed Divine Smite critical hit for massive damage.
Updated Jul 06, 2025, by Hamza Haq:Paladins remain one of the strongest classes in Baldur’s Gate 3, with unique subclasses that each offer a different way to play the frontline tank. For a vast majority of the player base, Paladins are their favorite class not only because they’re strong in combat but also because they offer so many roleplay options. On top of that, the Paladin class also lends itself extremely well to multiclassing because they gain their signature ability, Divine Smite, very early in the game. For players unfamiliar with the underlying rules of the D&D 5e ruleset that governs how multiclassing works in Baldur’s Gate 3, figuring out which classes to multiclass into and what best synergizes with Paladins can be a bit hard to figure out. In addition to the overall leveling structure for the best Paladin multiclass build, the article has been updated with the best equipment to use alongside it when the build is online.
Best Paladin Multiclass Build - The Sorcadin
Any Sorcadin build shouldbegin as a Paladin at level 1in order to start the game withHeavy Armor Proficiency, allowing the character to dump Dexterity completely. This will allow them to focus on Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, all of which are important for this build. After level 1, players can either continue as a full Paladin to level 6, or mix in Sorcerer levels along the way. Both routes have their advantages and disadvantages, and the simple respec system inBaldur’s Gate 3means that players can always switch from one to the other.
First Option: Paladin Focus
The simplest route to a 6/6 Sorcadin is tostart with 6 levels in Paladin. This will allow players to take full advantage of the Paladin’s survivability in the early game, as well as earning them theall-important Divine Smite, Extra Attack, and Aura of Protection features. While this route is simpler, it’s not the best choice for players who are anxious to reach their multiclass in Act 1.
Creating theideal 6/6 Sorcadin combohere means players lose out onhigh level Paladin features, however the loss is more than compensated by the massive boost to spell slots and Sorcery Points:
Second Option: Multiclass Focus
Alternatively, Sorcadins can focus on gaining early spell slots and take a few levels of Sorcerer on their way to level 6. This will greatly increase their magical abilities with more and higher spell slots, aBloodline subclass, Metamagic, and access to useful spells like Shield. With this route, it’s still recommended to start with two levels of Paladin, in order to pick up Heavy Armor Proficiency and Divine Smite.
Taking two more Sorcerer levels and then focusing on maxing out Paladin levels will provide players with plentiful spell slots and Sorcery Points through the mid-game. Which then transition neatly to unlocking the powerful Paladinfeatures like Extra Attackand Aura of Protection just in time for the final difficulty spike.
Best Paladin Multiclass Build - Paladin/Bard
Paladin/Bard is one of the best multiclass options available inBaldur’s Gate 3, allowing players tocombine Divine Smite with the full spellcasting levels of Bard. Unlike the Sorcadin build, this one allows players to build a character that can talk their way out of any situation, pick all the locks in the game, and still have an excellent time in combat.
Feat selection is completely up to the player as there are a lot of good options here. Sentinel is for characters that are meant to stay on the frontlines, which this class definitely is, but if survival is becoming an issue,Resilient or Tough are great options, though durability issues should typically be solved through gear, not stats. Of course, falling back on Ability Score Improvement to increase either Strength or Charisma is also an option.
There is an argument to be made for starting out with Bard instead of Paladin to get a smoother start and quicker access to Inspiration Die; however, Divine Smite is just too good in almost all scenarios to pass up until level 12.
At max level, this build gets access to Magical Secrets, which should typically always be used to get access to Haste and the ability to cast Spirit Guardians on yourself. However, if there is another Haste caster in the party, Counterspell is also a stellar option.
Bards are, in general, the best class for a main character for skill checks outside of combat. This build retains that innate ability to do basically everything.
Best Weapons And Armor For Paladin Multiclass Build
For both Sorcadins and Paladin/Bards, the equipment choice remains largely the same because, in nine cases out of ten, the best way to play a Paladin multiclass is to take up the role of a tanky frontline like a pure Paladin but to use the extra tools multiclassing provides to increase your options. At level 11 or 12, when you are ready to face the final battle and save the day, your equipment should look something like this:
Helmet
Helm of Balduran
Can be found on a pedestal next to the dragon Ansur in the Dragon’s Sanctum. To access this area, players must first succeed in The Wyrmway Trials in Wyrm’s Rock Fortress during Act 3.
Cloak
Mantle of the Holy Warrior
Can be bought or pickpocketed from Vicar Humbletoes, a rock gnome trader found in the Stormshore Tabernacle in the Lower City during Act 3.
Armor
Helldusk Armour
A reward for killing Raphael, either in the House of Hope during Act 3 orduring Raphael’s visit to the camp in Act 1.
Gloves
Helldusk Gloves
A reward for killing Harleep in the House of Hope during Act 3.
Boots
Helldusk Boots
Can be found inside a locked chest in Wyrm’s Rock Fortress during Act 3.
Amulet
Amulet of Greater Health
Can be looted from a display pedestal in the Archive in the House of Hope during Act 3.
Ring 1
Killer’s Sweetheart
Can be looted from the body of the player doppelganger after completing the Self-Same Trail in Gauntel of Shar during Act 2.
Ring 2
Ring of Regeneration
Can be bought from Sorcerous Sundries during Act 3. If Rolan lives and Lorroakan dies, can be found on Rolan in Ramazith’s Tower.
Weapon
Balduran’s Giantslayer
A reward for killing Ansur in The Dragon’s Sanctum during Act 3.
